‘Scott and Hem’ opens Aug. 17 at CPAC
COOKEVILLE – It’s the evening of July 4, 1937.
Famous authors and frenemies F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway create some fireworks of their own when they meet in Hollywood during the Cookeville Performing Arts Center’s Backstage Series production of “Scott and Hem.”
Performance dates are Aug. 17-19, 21 and 23-25 at 7:30 p.m. at 10 E. Broad St.
“The play, written by Mark St. Germaine, is about a fictitious conversation between F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway, who were life-long friends and literary competitors,” Samantha Raper, director, said. “The conversation takes place after Scott and Ernest had a falling out.”
Another character, Eve Montaigne, personal assistant to Mr. Mayer from MGM studios, is on hand to ensure Scott meets his writing deadlines.
“Scott was a notorious drunk, and his career suffered because of this,” Raper said. “Hemingway shows up out of the blue to offer Scott some help but perhaps has other intentions in mind.”
The cast includes Matthew Wilson as Fitzgerald, Patrick Mannle as Hemingway and Katherine Mannle as Montaigne.
“All three are professional, creative geniuses who make my job incredibly easy and fun,” Raper said. “The audience is really going to enjoy this one. It has all the necessary parts to make a great experience.”
CPAC’s Backstage Series offers audiences an opportunity to experience theater in the intimacy of the backstage setting. Patrons are seated on the stage, close to the performers and the action.
“Scott and Hem,” produced by Cookeville Leisure Services’ cultural arts division through an arrangement with Dramatists Play Service Inc., kicks off the Backstage Series’ 26th season at CPAC.
Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors ages 62 and up and $7 for full-time students in high school through college. Seating is limited. The show runs approximately one hour and 15 minutes with no intermission.
CPAC Box Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at www.cpactn.com or by calling 931-528-1313.